News
Full house as annual coffee morning returns
By Michelle Crean
It was a full house of cheer, cake and chat at the annual Irish Cancer Society Coffee Morning on Friday last as locals gathered to support a very worthy cause.
COMMUNITY UNITED: Community Gardaí Melanie Walsh Majella Lynch and Gillian McEoin were there to support the Irish Cancer Society Coffee Morning in the Killarney Towers Hotel on Friday. Photo: Marie Carroll-O'Sullivan
GATHERED TOGETHER: Enjoying the Irish Cancer Society Coffee Morning at the Killarney Towers Hotel on Friday from l-r were: Catherine O'Sullivan Antionette O'Mahony Mary Guerin Lavin and Áine Moynihan. Photo: Marie Carroll-O'Sullivan
EMOTIONAL: Supporting the Irish Cancer Society Coffee Morning at the Killarney Towers Hotel on Friday morning from l-r were: Garda Stephane Hegarty baby Olivia Twohig and Garda Diane Collins Twohig. Diane made a very personal moving speech about her own personal circumstance and the importance of the services the ICS offer. Photo: Marie Carroll-O'Sullivan
SUPPORT: TD Michael Healy-Rae pictured with Ann McCarthy Kathrina Breen (committee) and Maggie McAuliffe at the Irish Cancer Society Coffee Morning in Killarney Towers Hotel where local book ‘Behind the Mask Lockdown 2020’ was on sale a project that funds the Irish Cancer Society. Photo: Marie Carroll-O'Sullivan
COMMITTEE: The Irish Cancer Society Killarney branch committee from l-r were: Kathrina Breen Kathleen Cronin Eugene O'Sullivan and Breda Moriarty pictured at the Killarney Towers Hotel for their annual Coffee Morning where they launched Daffodil Day due to take place on Friday March 25 throughout Killarney. Photo: Marie Carroll-O'Sullivan
SCHOOL SUPPORT: Killarney Community College supporting the Irish Cancer Society Kerry branch at the Killarney Towers Hotel on Friday from l-r were: Deirdre Valerie Fleming Roisin Casey Amy O'Connell and Fiona Bailey. Photo: Marie Carroll-O'Sullivan
COMMUNITY UNITED: Community Gardaí Melanie Walsh Majella Lynch and Gillian McEoin were there to support the Irish Cancer Society Coffee Morning in the Killarney Towers Hotel on Friday. Photo: Marie Carroll-O'Sullivan
GATHERED TOGETHER: Enjoying the Irish Cancer Society Coffee Morning at the Killarney Towers Hotel on Friday from l-r were: Catherine O'Sullivan Antionette O'Mahony Mary Guerin Lavin and Áine Moynihan. Photo: Marie Carroll-O'Sullivan
EMOTIONAL: Supporting the Irish Cancer Society Coffee Morning at the Killarney Towers Hotel on Friday morning from l-r were: Garda Stephane Hegarty baby Olivia Twohig and Garda Diane Collins Twohig. Diane made a very personal moving speech about her own personal circumstance and the importance of the services the ICS offer. Photo: Marie Carroll-O'Sullivan
SUPPORT: TD Michael Healy-Rae pictured with Ann McCarthy Kathrina Breen (committee) and Maggie McAuliffe at the Irish Cancer Society Coffee Morning in Killarney Towers Hotel where local book ‘Behind the Mask Lockdown 2020’ was on sale a project that funds the Irish Cancer Society. Photo: Marie Carroll-O'Sullivan
COMMITTEE: The Irish Cancer Society Killarney branch committee from l-r were: Kathrina Breen Kathleen Cronin Eugene O'Sullivan and Breda Moriarty pictured at the Killarney Towers Hotel for their annual Coffee Morning where they launched Daffodil Day due to take place on Friday March 25 throughout Killarney. Photo: Marie Carroll-O'Sullivan
SCHOOL SUPPORT: Killarney Community College supporting the Irish Cancer Society Kerry branch at the Killarney Towers Hotel on Friday from l-r were: Deirdre Valerie Fleming Roisin Casey Amy O'Connell and Fiona Bailey. Photo: Marie Carroll-O'Sullivan
After two years of no events the Killarney branch of the Irish Cancer Society (ICS) were delighted to be back in action again and raised a whopping €3,070 - their best ever amount.
The popular event was once again held in the Killarney Towers Hotel where management and staff generously donated the teas, coffees and food.
"It was by far the best coffee morning we ever had," Chairperson if the Killarney branch of ICS, Eugene O'Sullivan, told the Killarney Advertiser.
"We had over 300 throughout the morning who made some generous donations. We'd like to thank Brian Lawlor from the hotel and his staff who were brilliant. They did a great morning's work. Also a huge thank you to Rima who made a flower arrangement with daffodils and blew up balloons and everyone who sponsored spot prizes. People are brilliant, they are absolutely fantastic."
The morning was launched by local photographer Marie Carroll-O'Sullivan who also spoke about her book 'Killarney Behind the Mask: Lockdown 2020' who is donating some of the proceeds to the ICS.
Garda Diane Collins Twohig was also there to support the event. Last year Diane lost her husband, local Garda Paudie Twohig (44), just four months after he was diagnosed with a stage 4 melanoma.
She made a very personal moving speech about her own personal circumstances and the importance of the services the ICS offer.
And Daffodil Day, which takes place on Friday next, March 25, was also launched.
The committee are looking for volunteers to help with collections for a few hours on the day throughout various locations in Killarney town.
Anyone who'd like to offer their time can ring Eleanor O'Doherty on 086 2388573.
International Roses kick off Kerry tour in Killarney
The 32 international contestants competing in the 2026 Rose of Tralee International Festival officially made their long-awaited arrival in the Kingdom on Wednesday, with landmark venue Kate Kearney’s Cottage hosting their very first official engagement in County Kerry.
Following a busy week-long tour across the country, the Roses arrived at the entrance to the Gap of Dunloe to launch the Kerry leg of their journey. The afternoon proved to be a major highlight of the tour so far, with the contestants treated to traditional jaunting-car rides through the glaciated valley, a wool-spinning demonstration, and lunch in the beer garden.
Deputy Mayor of Killarney Municipal District, Cllr Brendan Cronin, was on hand to formally extend a warm town welcome to the international visitors as they soaked up local hospitality, traditional food, and iconic mountain scenery.
After their afternoon in Killarney, the group departed to continue their itinerary in Listowel, where they were greeted by Mayor of Listowel Municipal District, Cllr Jimmy Moloney, before making their final arrival into Tralee ahead of the festival weekend.
SIDEBAR: Dublin Rose leads festival betting
As the festival gets underway, punters are already backing their preferred candidates ahead of next week’s televised selection nights and crowning in the Dome.
According to bookmaker BoyleSports, Dublin Rose Suad Mooge has emerged as the clear 2/1 favourite after steady support, having opened at 5/1.
Kildare Rose Jessica Hunter has seen her odds shorten dramatically to 11/2 from an opening 40/1, while Leitrim’s Catherine Cullen has backed into 6/1. Meanwhile, local interest remains fixed on Kerry Rose Caoimhe Lynch—a 28-year-old Beaufort native—who is currently listed at 10/1 as she aims to bring the sash back to the county for the first time in 62 years.
Killarney Park Hotel bids farewell to Noreen
The Killarney Park has marked the end of an era as long-serving team member Noreen McSweeney officially retires after nearly five decades with the business.
Noreen started her career almost 50 years ago at The Ross before moving to The Killarney Park. Over the past half-century, she became a familiar face to generations of visitors to the town and a constant presence for her colleagues.
Managing Director Marcus Treacy praised her contribution to the hotel over the decades:
“Hospitality was never simply a job for Noreen; it is who she is. Caring for people came as naturally to her as breathing. Every guest she welcomed felt genuinely looked after, and every colleague who worked alongside her became better because of her example.
As we continued to evolve The Killarney Park, I often spoke about preserving the hotel’s DNA. The surroundings could change and our standards could continue to rise, but the soul of the hotel had to remain the same. If I were ever asked to define that DNA in one person, it would be Noreen McSweeney. She embodied everything we stand for , genuine hospitality, warmth, professionalism and heartfelt care.”
Speaking on behalf of the family, the Treacys added:
“Noreen has been part of our family for almost fifty years. Her loyalty, kindness and commitment have helped shape The Killarney Park into the hotel it is today, and we will always be grateful for everything she has given to our guests, our colleagues and our family.
While we will miss seeing her every day, we are delighted that she begins this new chapter. She will always have a place at The Killarney Park, and we look forward to welcoming her back, this time as our guest.”
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